Perspectives: Nick
Hello friends!
This week I'm so excited to introduce you to my friend Nick Haney! It would be impossible to count the number of times he's made us all smile and laugh. He has a way of finding the bright side of everything, seeing the genuine humor in all situations, and he can do a spot-on impression of just about anyone. On top of that wonderful, light-hearted personality, he's an extremely talented performer and is so eager to learn. In the four months we've been here I've watched him grow so much and I can't wait to see where he is when our time here is done. No doubt it's going to be spectacular.
He's going to share a fantastic experience he had a few weeks ago. In a couple of my posts, I've written a briefly about our opportunities to swing. Well, Nick was asked to go in as a swing in one of the most technical scenes in the show. He even got to do something none of us students have: a singing solo! We were all so excited and proud to see our class represented in such a great way. Please enjoy reading about the Conservatory from his perspective!
Hey Everyone!
My name is Nick Haney. I'm from Topeka Kansas and am currently a member of the 2017 Sight and Sound Conservatory Class. Before I begin, I would like to say a few words in honor of Kinsey Smith. Kinsey is an amazing Performer/Director and STAGE Productions is so lucky to have her, as are we. As I have grown to get to know Kinsey, I've found that she has such an amazing heart and positive personality that is demonstrated through her love for the Lord. Thank you, Kinsey, for the honor of writing for your totally awesome blog.
To effectively share my story, I need to begin with my childhood. As a child, I had a lot of anxiety issues and was always very nervous and shy. I wouldn't have even thought about stepping onto a stage. But I knew I had a passion for singing and acting. It wasn't until I was about seven years old that I started performing in a show called the Topeka Passion Play. It was an Easter production that a church in our community had put on for over 21 years. I started out as just one of the child actors and soon started getting bigger roles. Doing the show over the years really helped me to break my anxiety and shyness.
When I got to high school, I joined choir and theater and participated in all the fall musicals. My freshman year I played Romeo Scragg in Lil Abner, then sophomore year I played Reuben in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Following this, in my junior year, I played Harold Hill in The Music Man which was one of my favorite roles. Lastly, in my senior year, I played Seymour Krelborn in the Little Shop of Horrors; that was my second favorite role.
I knew in my senior year of high school that I wanted to attend the Sight and Sound Conservatory. I found out about the Conservatory a few years back by attending shows at the Sight Sound Theater in Branson, Missouri. I sent in my application and,about a week after I auditioned, I found out that I was accepted! I was overjoyed when I saw the email and I couldn't wait for the year to begin! During the time before I came to Lancaster, I was a manager for both of my family’s businesses and was the Assistant Director for my former high school’s fall show, Shrek the Musical. When those few months came to a close, it was time to say goodbye to Kansas and hello to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
The first week was great. I got to meet my fellow Conservatory students and hear all of their stories at the five parties we had in a row, (literally). Bahaha! That time was a lot of fun. Each night someone new would arrive. But it was the first day at the theater when it really hit me that we were at Sight & Sound: the place we had all been working hard for and looking forward to for so long.
I know you've probably already heard about what our classes are like. So I am going to change it up a bit. I'm going to talk about something that (I think) scared most of us in the beginning, but we now have a better feeling and clearer understanding about. It's called “swinging.”
A quick definition of a swing is someone who is used to understudy several ensemble and/or dancing roles. If an understudy fills in for a lead role, a swing will act the ensemble parts normally performed by that understudy. In Jonah my Swing days are on Fridays and some Saturdays. If there is anyone gone or filling in for someone else, Stage Management will come to me and put me in the role that needs to be covered.
When we first found out that we would be swinging it was pretty nerve-racking for most of the group. Not only would we have to learn our own personal ensemble tracks, but also other peoples's as well. Stage Management gave us all a sheet stating which patterns we should be watching. I was assigned to watch the Gath-Hepher Elders, the Shoppers, the Fisherman Boat Patterns, and (my absolute favorite) the Sailors on the Big Boat.
Throughout rehearsals, while my track partner was on stage learning the blocking for our personal track, I would be watching my swing roles blocking. Finally we came to the day that we were to block one of my favorite parts: the Sailor scene.
During rehearsals, if you’re a swing you're probably not going to get the chance to run it with the primary group. You just have to stand and observe everything that is going on, marking any changes to the blocking, and practicing everything offstage. Everything is very technical in the Big Boat Scene. At the end of one of our rehearsals, the director asked if there were any swings that would like to jump in. He said, “Now is your chance, because you may not get one until performance time.” So I quickly jumped up. It was pretty nerve-racking at first, but I knew I needed to be on the boat at least once so that I could have it down come show time.
About three and a half weeks ago, I went in for the Big Boat scene for the first time in front of a live audience. The only time I had ever been on the boat was during the rehearsal I mentioned earlier, and at that time the boat was docked and we were just blocking. But now all of the technical elements took place: the driving, the rocking effects of the boat...I hadn’t experienced that yet.
During the show, as the lights went to black after each scene, I knew my swing role was getting closer. I was feeling so much excitement but some nerves started to kick in as well. Once the Joppa scene was done, I rushed offstage and did my quick change with the help of my awesome dresser, Colleen. She gave me words of encouragement and sent me on my way.
As I walked onstage, I saw the boat and the door to enter. Upon entering, I saw the steps to the top deck. The lights where shining in the haze as I climbed each step. In that moment I prayed to the Lord, “Please let this go well.” Once I got to the top step, it was time to use what I learned in rehearsal and bring it to life on stage. During the song, I climbed a rope ladder and sang a quick solo: “Can’t you hear freedom sing!” It was so much fun! Once the dance number and song was done, most of the sailors went and sat in the bottom of the boat while Jonah sang his song. When we got down in the boat, I took a seat and a huge deep breath. All of my fellow sailors were congratulating me on my first time going in. I couldn't have done it without them!
After that it was time for the Storm Scene. I think that the storm is one of the most fun parts about being on the Big Boat. With all of the movement/rocking, lighting, and sound effects, you (as an actor) get so immersed. It truly feels like you’re in a storm, which makes it a lot easier act out. It was such an amazing experience! When the scene was finished I exited the boat and just thanked the Lord for letting everything go so smoothly.
As I walked back to my dressing room, everyone was so kind to congratulate me on going in. I got back to my dressing room and sat at my spot. I started thinking about the first week we found out that we were going to be swinging and how we all felt like we wouldn't be able to do it. I realized that it was all just fear; fear of doing something we've never done before and fear of messing up. But going out there that day and just doing it, while being cautious of my surroundings and others, and keeping in mind that the Lord was with me the whole time, allowed me to let go of that fear.
I’m not saying that swinging is an easy thing to do. It’s not, and it’s not for everyone. Swinging definitely requires you to be a fast learner and to be able to remember a lot at once. Yet, the most important aspect it requires is a positive attitude and a person who can just say, “You know what, why not? I’ll do it.”
Since then, anytime I am asked to do a different role I say yes, and if don't know something about that role I just ask questions. That is the key: always ask questions. Even if it is a half an hour before show time, go to the person and first ask them technical questions, then ask what they do personally to keep the show moving. Some of these questions could include: do they help push a set? Do they pick up a box that could stop a set from moving? etc. Then you can ask them questions about the look of the scene, where you are standing during a certain line, etc.
Swinging truly is an amazing skill to have. Would I want to swing professionally later on in life? I'm not quite sure. Maybe, if that’s what the Lord has for me. I am definitely impressed with those who do, so I want to take a moment to thank our two main full-time swings, because they so deserve it. Our full-time swings are Kenneth and Cori. They are both wonderfully talented performers whom I am so thankful to know and call my friends. Thank you so much for all you do. You really bless our cast and this show!
So, that is just a little taste of the life of a swing (as a Conservatory student). Anyone out there who is or has thought about being a swing, I say definitely try it! If you find it’s not for you, that’s alright; the Lord must have other plans for your life, and they will come about beautifully. But if swinging is something you want to try, remember to let go of your fears, ask questions, and go for it!
Again, I’m Nick Haney, and I thank you so much for reading my perspective blog! Have a great day and God bless!
